AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often have difficulty meeting the expectations of society in many ways. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to complete tasks at work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel disregarded. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the expectation that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to underperforming at work or school and may make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or at home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period before menopause - and when hormone levels begin to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This could lead health professionals to overlook ADHD in their patients, misdiagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This may lead to the perception of gender bias.
When adhd in women test with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or irritable at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact school, work, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is particularly true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having an issue with their heart. This can lead to an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether it's used alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that may reduce anxiety.
Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women are also more likely to suffer from a mixed type. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct an extensive history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic problem that can cause interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organizational skills, such as forgetting to pay bills or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other factors like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can function at a high level and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorder is a constant struggle and it's normal for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences could be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They might also have difficulty being quiet and can talk to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males are.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to manage your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy boosts Try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To improve your mood and attention consume a variety of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.